“This sale captures the mutual benefits of the US-India global partnership. For India, the sale adds strategic and humanitarian muscle to its defence needs,” the outgoing US ambassador said in a statement.

“For India, the sale adds strategic and humanitarian muscle to its defense needs. The sale grows and sustains 23,000 jobs in America,” he stressed.

In a major step to augment the capability of its air force to swiftly move troops and equipment over long distances, the Indian government Monday approved its biggest defence deal with the US for 10 Boeing C-17 strategic heavy-lift planes for $4.1 billion.

The cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave its nod.

The clearance came over six months after US President Barack Obama visited India and announced that the deal was through and less than two months after Boeing and Lockheed Martin lost out in a $10.4 billion deal for 126 combat jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The US envoy said the sale will further strengthen the strategic ties between American and Indian armed forces, leading to enhanced cooperation for a safer and more secure region and world.

Enumerating the myriad benefits of the C-17 Globemaster for the modernisation of the IAF, the envoy underlined his country’s commitment to sharing cutting-edge technologies with India.

“From joint training exercises to defense sales and ship visits, the US is committed to sharing expertise and cutting-edge technology with India, and to do so in a way that has economic benefits for both India and the United States,” he said.

“India is a leader in maintaining regional stability in South Asia, and a partner in promoting peace and economic growth,” he added.

Boeing C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases, and forward-operating bases, throughout the world. It can also perform tactical airlifts, medical evacuation and airdrop missions. The C-17 can transport large payloads and land on short, rough runways.